Christian Education and Formation

The Christian Education and Formation degree equips you to educate and disciple people in today’s complex world through applied and academic courses in Biblical studies, theology, education, and the social sciences. You will learn how to form Christian disciples in church ministry and other missional contexts through biblical principles, educational concepts and models from both Christian tradition and the wider discipline of educational studies.

Possible ministries and positions include:

Pastor

Associate Pastor

Christian Education & Faith Formation

Religious Educator

Children’s Pastor

Family Ministry Pastor

Marketplace Ministry

Teach in Christian Schools

Outreach Ministry

Youth Ministry

Young Adult Ministry

Professor

Literacy and International Development

Interdisciplinary

The Christian Education and Formation major provides an interdisciplinary approach to Christian education and faith formation promoting a broad and full experience. You will learn Christian history, theological studies, biblical studies, educational studies, and spiritual formation creating a complete context from which to pastor, teach, and disciple others.

Broad Educational Base

Our experienced faculty teaches courses such as: Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Education, Human Development and Learning, Curriculum Theory, God’s Word and World: Literacy, Education & Development, Teaching as Theological Act, Children’s Ministry, and Ethnographic Research. You will study current trends in Christian education and faith formation in church ministry and other missional settings.

Community of Learning

Our program is geared towards forming the pastoral and educational leader in a supportive learning community. While subscribing to a broadly evangelical core, Tyndale goes beyond denominational beliefs by bringing together all Christians into one dynamic faith community. You will be part of a student body representing over 40 different denominations and 30 ethnic groups. Students learn best when they learn from each other, with professors as experienced guides and mentors.

The Master of Divinity is a three-year professional ministry degree that provides you with knowledge and skills to be an effective and holistic ministry leader. The MDiv blends academic study, mentored learning and practical experience in a comprehensive program that will prepare you for ordained ministry or for Christian leadership in its various forms.

MDiv students will acquire foundational preparation for ordained ministry and for Christian leadership in congregations and other settings. Students will:

develop breadth of knowledge and critical understanding of the theological disciplines;

acquire capacities for understanding and engaging the cultural, social, and global context of God’s mission in the world;

experience personal and professional growth through a process of intellectual, spiritual and ministry formation;

develop and hone skills for theologically reflective ministry practice in its various forms.

Electives (4 Courses)

Total MDiv Courses: 27

The Master of Theological Studies is a two-year graduate degree that helps you understand the biblical, theological and historical foundations of the Christian faith. The MTS is flexible program that can be tailored to meet your learning and ministry interests, or help you prepare you for further studies. Students may select electives from across the curriculum, or use them to focus their studies in a chosen concentration.

Students completing the MTS program will acquire a broad understanding of the theological disciplines for Christian faith and practice. Students will:

gain theological understanding and insight through study of the heritage of Christian scripture, history, theology and ministry;

develop aptitudes for thinking critically, theologically and biblically in relation to faith, vocation and ministry;

acquire critical awareness of God’s mission in the world in its social, cultural and global contexts;

demonstrate depth of understanding in a particular field (for those opting to concentrate in an area of study).

The MTS Modular is a specialized, cohort-based program that allows students to complete the degree, one evening per week, in a fixed sequence of courses delivered over three years.

Electives (8 Courses)

Total MTS Courses: 18

The one-year Graduate Diploma program provides you with a foundation of biblical, theological and ministry studies for your spiritual growth and ministry development. The Graduate Diploma allows you to tailor your studies to meet your learning and ministry needs. You may choose a concentration in Christian Studies, Leadership, Global Mission and Intercultural Studies, Pastoral and Chinese Ministry Foundations, Pentecostal Studies, Spiritual Formation or Youth and Family Ministry.

The Diploma in Christian Studies may also be taken on Monday evenings in a modular, cohort-based format with a fixed sequence of nine (9) courses delivered over one and a half years. The MTS (Christian Studies) may be taken entirely online.

All successfully-completed coursework can be transferred to the MDiv and MTS programs.

Whether you're interested in vocational ministry and leadership or personal study and enrichment, Tyndale offers a wide range of degree options that will meet your needs and goals.

Graduate Diploma**

MTSMaster of Theological Studies**

MDivMaster of Divinity***

ThMMaster of Theology

DMinDoctor of Ministry

A program geared toward adult learners interested in being equipped for ministry in their chosen profession

A degree that will develop students' theological understanding for general educational purposes

A degree designed primarily for those considering vocational, church-based ministry

An advanced academic degree that provides an opportunity toexplore biblical, theological or historical studies in preparation for a PhD or ThD program

An advanced professional degree designed for church leaders whose ministry will be integrated into their study and research

Description

9

18

27

6 courses + thesis

6 intensive modules + a major project

Courses
Required

1 year

2 years

3 years

1 year

3 years

Duration*

Want to enhance your biblical and theological understandings in a setting that will engage your intellect and deepen your faith

Are seeking a foundational graduate degree that can be utilized in a wide range of professional and ministerial contexts

Wish to prepare for ordained ministry or for general pastoral and religious leadership responsibilities in congregations and other settings

Have completed an MDiv or MTS and wish to enhance your ministerial and missional practice with additional scholarship, or prepare for further study at the doctoral level

Have completed an MDiv or equivalent and are engaged in substantive ministry further developing your skills and capacities for effective leadership

Pursue if...

Notes:
* Program durations are based on a traditional, full-time course load of nine courses per year.
** Also offered in a modular format designed to meet the needs of students with full-time demands such as family, church or career.
*** Tyndale also offers an In-Ministry MDiv degree program for people who are engaged in part-time or full-time in vocational Christian ministry.

Areas of Specialization: Curriculum and instructional theory, assessment of learning in theological education, educational leadership and faith formation in congregations

Dr. Siew taught Christian Education at Singapore Bible College & Seminary from 1994-2000. He is a member of the Association of Professors, Practitioners and Researchers in Religious Education (APPRE), the North American Professors of Christian Education (NAPCE) and the Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE).

Dr. Siew has contributed chapters to With an Eye on the Future: Development & Mission in the 21st Century (MARC Publications, 1996) and Serve the Lord with Gladness (Biblical Graduate School of Theology, 1991). His articles have appeared in the Journal of Christian Education, Theological Education, Asia Journal of Theology and the Baker Dictionary of Christian Education. His major research interest is in assessment and evaluation of theological education, and he has consulted with the Association of Theological Schools of US and Canada (ATS). In 2008-09, Dr. Siew received a major pastoral leadership grant from the Louisville Institute (www.louisville-institute.org) for his sabbatical research project looking at the relationship between pastoral leadership, educational vision and adult faith formation in urban congregations. Dr. Siew is a charter board member of CanDoSpiritNetwork, (www.candospirit.org), an international community of Christian leaders seeking to transform congregational life and theological education worldwide. He was consultant pastor at North Toronto Chinese Baptist Church (English Ministry) from 2000-07. Apart from research and teaching, he regularly conducts teacher enrichment workshops for churches. Dr. Siew is married to Christina, and they have two children, Samuel and Ruth.

One Course at a Time

If you have completed a baccalaureate degree and wish to take graduate-level course you can become an occasional student or audit a course. Or if you are registered at another graduate theological institution and are eligible to take courses at Tyndale Seminary, you can submit a Letter of Permission.

The following is a list of all degrees, diplomas, and areas of study offered at Tyndale Seminary. As a graduate theological school, Tyndale Seminary admits students who have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college (see admissions requirements). Click on each of the items below to find descriptions, opportunities and course requirements.